Douglas had been focusing on the scene he was sketching, though with what was going on with Pippa he should have kept a bit more alert.  If someone that was looking for the young woman had realized it was his servants that were watching over her protection, then the man could go after him as well to distract them from their protection on Pippa.  So, when he heard the cough behind him he jumped a bit and turned ready for anything.

Once he realized it was not someone that looked to be a danger, Douglas went back to his typical easy manner.  After the man's cough was calmed, and the man asked, Douglas, smiled.  Hearing someone using a common "Mister" rather than "Earl", and the use of the description of "esteemed painter", he deduced that this one was an artist or art lover.  So, either the person had not looked into his history to know his rank or knew enough about him to respect that when painting he prefers to be just Douglas, common man.  He had quite a few that were fans of his work.  Some even had made a point of finding out where he might be next.  Thus, he had picked Whitby out of common areas.  Though someone always found it out after a while.

"I am Douglas Gordon, though the rest is not necessary."  He teased with a smile.  He was casual and confident in himself in how he moved and talked.  He didn't care so much about the social proper conversation.  He was just himself and could be somewhat cutting when someone got to above themselves with him or other people.  Of course, his rank alone would give him that ability, but even in the art world society, he had a status that gave his actions and speaking a large leeway to others it might not. 

He raised a curious brow, "And who may I be speaking to?"